What Weight Capacity Kayak Do I Need?

The right size kayak for your weight is one with a maximum capacity rating that is about 125 pounds more than your body weight. To find the right size, you should find out the manufacturer’s maximum capacity rating and reduce it by about 30-35%. The 70% rule states that the optimal weight capacity for performance should not exceed 70% of the maximum capacity rating of a kayak. For example, if you weigh around 187.50 pounds and want to bring gear and supplies, you need a kayak with a weight capacity of at least 700 pounds.

Recreational kayaks usually support 250-300 pounds, sit-on-tops around 350-400 pounds, touring kayaks average around 350 lbs, and tandem kayaks are mostly 500-600 lbs. This definitive guide answers your question on what size kayak do you need for your weight by offering critical insights into kayak weight capacities and tips to choose.

A basic rule of thumb is that a kayak will perform best if kept below 70% of its maximum weight capacity. After adding up the weight of your needs (you, paddle, gear, etc.), you will need a kayak with about 30% more capacity than that number.

A typical recreational kayak has a weight limit of 250-300 pounds, touring (sea) kayak has a limit of 350 pounds, sit-on-top kayaks around 350-400 pounds, and tandem kayaks around 500-600 lbs. High volume kayaks are recommended for paddlers over 180cm tall and weighing more than 82 kgs.

When sizing your kayak, you want to factor in how much it weighs. High volume kayaks are designed for paddlers over 180cm tall and weighing more than 82 kgs. A typical weight limit ranges from 250 to 350 pounds for most average sized kayaks in all categories.


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What Weight Capacity Kayak Do I Need
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Debbie Green

I am a school teacher who was bitten by the travel bug many decades ago. My husband Billy has come along for the ride and now shares my dream to travel the world with our three children.The kids Pollyanna, 13, Cooper, 12 and Tommy 9 are in love with plane trips (thank goodness) and discovering new places, experiences and of course Disneyland.

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